What does root rot look like in cucumbers and how to treat it?

How to treat root rot in cucumbers

Vegetables affected by root rot are practically untreatable.
They are usually removed from the site. Specimens located close to the diseased plant are also subject to destruction. If the infection process is not very advanced, then you can try to save the culture with the help of special protective equipment.

Biological drugs

To protect the root system from fungus, you can use the following effective biological preparations:

• Planriza;
• Baktofit;
• Integral;
• Trichoderma;
• Gamair;
• Glyocladin.

The preparations do not contain synthetic toxic substances. Typically, such products contain live bacteria that are active against fungi, but are safe and beneficial for planting. Therefore, they are used at any stage of cucumber development.

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The preparations are used to treat the soil and the base of the crop stem. To minimize the risk of root rot, it is recommended to treat seed material with biological preparations before sowing. The product must be diluted strictly following the instructions on the package.

Attention! Almost all biological products can be used simultaneously with mineral fertilizers, humates, and insecticides.

Chemical remedies

If cucumbers show pronounced signs of root rot (yellowing, wilting of foliage), then you will have to use chemicals. You can try to neutralize the pathology using the following chemicals:

1. Previkur. This German drug is time-tested, which is why it is popular. The medicinal fungicide solution contains two active components. Propamocarb inhibits the growth and activity of microorganisms, and fosetyl restores immunity and stimulates the growth of the root system of plants. The drug is used strictly according to the instructions.
2. Fundizol. Another proven remedy that is effective against fungal infections. Has a low level of toxic effects on the plant. This universal preparation is used to treat seeds and adult plants.

To treat and prevent root rot, you can also use chemicals such as Fitolavin, Amulet, Narcissus, Prorostok, Gamair, Alirin-B, Tiram.

Folk remedies

Treatment with folk remedies will be effective only if the rotting root system is detected at an early stage. If the root pathology progresses, then this method will be useless.

Help to save the plant:

• infusion of wood ash;
• baking soda solution;
• brilliant green, iodine;
• tea leaves;
• boric acid;
• crushed lime.

All of the above products are applied to the lower part of the stem or sprinkled on the root collar of cucumbers.

Attention! To combat pathology, use a mash prepared from water (500 ml), copper sulfate (1 tsp), chalk (3 tbsp). The resulting composition is used to treat the root part.

How to identify root rot of cucumbers in time

If you see signs of wilting in cucumbers that were still vigorous and healthy yesterday, with recent watering and wet soil, you should look for a different reason. Carefully inspect the cucumber vines, starting from the very bottom near the soil, and rake it a little to be completely sure of the diagnosis.

1. Surely, you will notice a change in the color of the root collar to a brown color or its softening. The roots can be the same. This is root rot.

1. Another sign is loosening of the lower part of the stem near the ground, sometimes leading to complete separation of the above-ground part from the root part.

Photo pixabay/MetsikGarden: Start treating plants as early as possible.

Control measures

Agrotechnical

• growing resistant hybrids;
• adding microelements (manganese and zinc sulfates) to the soil;
• removal of plant residues;
• removal of the top layer of soil;
• disinfection of soil and greenhouse structures;
• dressing or heating of seeds.

Chemical

In protected ground conditions:

timely treatment of the substrate, watering seedlings, watering during the growing season with fungicides of the group of organophosphorus compounds.

Biological

In protected and open ground conditions:

• pre-sowing soaking of seeds with bacterial fungicides and biological pesticides;
• timely watering of the substrate, watering seedlings at the root, in open and protected ground, with bacterial fungicides and biological pesticides;
• watering and spraying during the growing season, in open and protected ground, with bacterial fungicides and biological pesticides.

Preventive measures

What products do you use to combat root rot?

ChemicalFolk

The following preventive measures will help prevent infection of cucumbers with fungus and stop their reproduction:

1. Disinfect and warm the seeds before sowing in a slightly pink solution of potassium permanganate at a temperature of 40 degrees.
2. In the greenhouse, before planting cucumbers, disinfect the walls, all structural elements and soil. All equipment used on the site also needs to be processed.
3. Follow crop rotation recommendations. Cucumbers should not be planted in an area where representatives of the pumpkin family grew the previous year.
4. Avoid thickening of plantings. Maintaining a distance between cucumber bushes will not only help prevent the development of diseases, but will also facilitate the process of caring for plants. In a greenhouse, it is necessary to regularly remove excess leaves and shoots.
5. Regularly loosen the soil, providing oxygen access to the roots. Aeration prevents the proliferation of fungal spores.
6. Do not violate recommendations for watering plants. The soil under the cucumbers should be slightly moist, but not wet. For irrigation, you need to use only warm water.
7. Change the top layer of soil in the greenhouse at least once every 2 years.
8. Ventilate the greenhouse regularly, but avoid sudden temperature changes and drafts.
9. Carefully remove all plant debris at the end of the growing season.

If fungi were found on the site in the previous season, tops and weeds should not be put into compost. All plant residues are removed and burned, and the soil is spilled with a disinfectant solution.

It is very difficult to cure root rot that affects cucumbers, and if there is a significant proliferation of fungal spores, it is impossible. To prevent pathogenic microorganisms from depriving you of your harvest, follow preventive measures and apply the methods described in the article at the first signs of illness.

Symptoms of the disease

The first manifestations of the disease are detected after planting the plants in a permanent place. At the seedling stage there are usually no symptoms.

The disease manifests itself as browning of the root collar and roots. The leaves of the lower tiers turn yellow, their edges become necrotic and wilt. The ovaries gradually die off, the green plants remain underdeveloped. At the same time, the vessels of the main root turn brown and acquire a dark brown color. Later, the epidermis, blood vessels and cortex are destroyed.

When microscopying affected roots, it is difficult to determine the root cause of rot, since the presence of nematodes, bacteria, various fungal phytopathogens, mites, larvae of sciarid flies and other pests is simultaneously detected in the roots. Sick plants wither and dry out.

Severe symptoms of the disease

At first, the disease occurs in a latent form and has no obvious manifestations. Then the leaves begin to droop towards the end of the day, and their turgor is restored during the night. During this period, the process of root damage occurs in the initial stage, and the plant is partially still able to absorb moisture.

Such symptoms persist for a certain time, until the roots are completely affected. In the active stage of the disease, the vegetative part of the plant begins to suffer a catastrophic lack of moisture, and leaf wilting becomes widespread. By morning, the leaf blades are no longer restored.

The leaves begin to turn yellow and then dry out completely. You can diagnose root rot by digging up the plant and examining its roots. As a rule, in sick specimens at the initial stage of development of the disease, all the roots are covered with brown or reddish spots. With severe damage, the roots become rotten and darken.

Inexperienced gardeners may confuse root rot with fusarium, which also causes leaf wilting. However, with Fusarium disease, it is not the roots that are affected, but the vascular system of the cucumber. Vascular damage occurs in the lower part of the stem and upon careful examination, a characteristic constriction can be seen in this place.

Signs of pathology

The sooner root rot is recognized (see photo), the higher the chances of eliminating it. The infection can infect seedlings immediately after planting the crop in a permanent place (in the ground, greenhouse, greenhouse).

Limp, yellow and lifeless leaves are the main sign of pathology. Inexperienced gardeners often regard this state of the vegetable differently. Believing that there is not enough water, they begin to intensively water the crop. Which significantly aggravates the situation.

Are cucumber leaves turning yellow and drying out? They need to be treated! Yellowing of cucumber leaves is a symptom of serious crop diseases and can lead to the death of the bushes. IN…

Other main signs of root rot in cucumbers:

• brown, thin stalk at the base;
• roots are bare, softened (gradually rot);
• a crack forms on the central shoot;
• fading ovaries;
• formed cucumbers are underdeveloped.

The infection spreads quickly, so the plant turns yellow, withers and dies in a short time. It is necessary to start treatment as early as possible, otherwise there is a high probability of loss of landings.

Signs of appearance

The initial stage of the disease occurs unnoticed by the gardener, since the roots are hidden underground.

As the disease progresses, certain symptoms of damage appear:

1. On a sunny day, the foliage of cucumbers withers and droops, as if in a drought, although the soil is moist.
2. At first, withered lashes and leaves restore turgor in the evening or at night, but after a few days the wilting intensifies, which gradually leads to drying out and death of the plant.
3. In some cases, the ovaries and lower leaves turn yellow (they are the first to suffer from lack of nutrition).
4. Sometimes pathological changes are observed in the root collar area: cucumber stems rot at the root or become dry and woody, crack, and darken. Such bushes do not always die, but significantly reduce productivity.
5. The stem of newly planted cucumber seedlings rots and the stem dries out.
6. If you dig up a dead plant, the roots will look yellowed or brown.

Cucumbers suffer from root rot both in street beds and in greenhouses. The lesion can affect single bushes, occur in patches, or cover the entire cucumber plantation (gradually or simultaneously). The rate of death of cucumber plants also varies.

Signs of damage by root and basal rot partially coincide with the manifestations of a disease such as tracheomycosis (Fusarium, Verticillium, vascular) wilt. But in the latter case, the roots of the cucumber remain healthy, and darkened vessels are visible on the cut of the stem.

See also Why cucumber leaves turn yellow and how to deal with it

Description of the disease

The causative agents of root rot on cucumbers are a variety of pathogenic microorganisms of fungal and bacterial nature. Ideal conditions for their reproduction are slightly acidic and neutral soils. The source of infection is chlamydospores preserved in the soil and plant debris. Temperature conditions (below 16, above 28 degrees) aggravate the situation, causing rapid manifestation of the disease.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=EX0otPD9oIQ

The pathology can affect both young and fruit-bearing plants that are grown indoors, where soil moisture reaches 85%. The level of damage caused by root rot will depend on the time of infection of the vegetable. The loss of plantings will be significant if microorganisms “capture” them during the initial growing season.

Attention! Fungal infection can accumulate in the soil. If you do not take measures to eliminate them, then next season, planting cucumbers will not be protected from root rot.

Cucumber diseases: description with photographs and methods of treatment

Growing a crop of cucumbers and not encountering any of the possible ailments is a great success for a gardener. The capricious vegetable crop is easily affected by bacterial and fungal diseases. The reasons lie in agricultural technology errors, unfavorable weather conditions, violation of crop rotation and sanitary standards.

Some diseases characteristic of cucumbers can be stopped in the early stages. To do this, it is necessary to regularly inspect the bushes and begin active action immediately after identifying the first symptoms. Treatment directly depends on the correct diagnosis. Some cucumber diseases have similar manifestations, but treatment methods can vary significantly.

In this article we will look at diseases of cucumbers that are often found both in open ground and in greenhouses, we will provide their descriptions, photographs and methods of treatment.

Fusarium wilt of cucumbers

A dangerous fungal disease that penetrates through the root system. The spores affect the vessels, which leads to the rapid death of the entire bush. Fusarium appears during flowering and fruiting of the crop. During the daytime, the apical leaves wither; in the evening, turgor is restored. The disease can be determined by cutting the stem: if the vessels are brown in color, the cucumbers are infected with a fungus.

Another sign of Fusarium wilt is a change in the color and structure of the stem at the root collar. The tissues become brown and gradually become thinner. A diseased plant sheds its ovaries.

Fusarium can be cured only in the first days after symptoms are detected. It is better to remove diseased bushes from the greenhouse, and spray the rest of the cucumbers against the disease with Quadris. Folk remedies and biological products are effective only as prevention.

Soaking planting material in a Fitosporin solution, using disinfected soil for cucumber seedlings and sanitizing the greenhouse will prevent the development of the disease.

Downy mildew disease of cucumber leaves: photo, description and treatment

Downy mildew is a very harmful disease of cucumber leaves, affecting them both in open and closed ground.

Downy mildew, or downy mildew, appears on plant leaves initially in the form of irregularly shaped watery spots that quickly turn yellow. If the weather is humid, a characteristic gray-violet or even black coating forms on the underside. In dry conditions there is no plaque.

As you can see in the photo, with this disease of cucumbers, the spots quickly become necrotic and often crack, so many gardeners confuse downy mildew with the disease angular spot:

The disease appears on leaves at an average daily temperature in the range of 18-22 ° C in the presence of drops of water, or dew, or fog for 8 hours. These are the “critical days” - a kind of “fire”, during which fungi form the maximum number of spores and massively infect more and more new plants.

To treat this disease of cucumbers in greenhouses and open ground, the following measures should be taken:

• agrotechnical - ensuring optimal air and water humidity conditions;
• seeds and seedlings should be treated with the microbiological preparation Extrasol, 1 tablet of Glyokladin should be added to each plant, which can eliminate many root rots and fusarioses of cucumber;
• use biological products Alirin-B and Gamair, 1 tablet each, diluting them in 10 liters of water against powdery mildew and downy mildew with an interval of 9-12 days. When the first symptoms of the disease appear, treat every 5-7 days.
• For the treatment and prevention of this disease of cucumber leaves, approved chemical preparations are indicated with the addition of Novosil (1 ml) and Extrasol (10 ml) for every 10 liters of water.
• Mandatory destruction of single leaves with disease symptoms is necessary.

This disease is very difficult to treat with copper-containing drugs, and therefore it is necessary to use a drug such as Ridomil Gold, but no more than 3-4 times with an interval of 10 days, reducing its rate by 50%, provided that you add the drug Extrasol to the tank mixture (10 ml/10 l of water), but it is necessary to take into account the waiting period - 3-5 days (the number of days before picking the fruit). The quality of application of the pesticide solution to the leaves of the plant is of great importance. Therefore, you need to strive to get it on the underside of the sheet.

See how this cucumber disease is treated in these photos:

How to treat

Root rot is very difficult to treat, but you can stop the spread to healthy cucumbers. It is possible to revive only those bushes on which temporary wilting of 1-2 leaves was noticed. Cucumbers with more serious symptoms probably cannot be saved. Severely affected plants must be immediately pulled out, all remaining roots removed and burned.

Disinfect the holes in which the cucumbers grew with a solution of manganese or copper sulfate. The rest of the bed needs to be urgently treated with fungicides and the intensity of watering reduced. In greenhouses it is necessary to ventilate and reduce air humidity to 75–80%.

Only cucumbers that have temporary wilting of 1-2 leaves can be treated. It is better to immediately remove the remaining plants and treat the contaminated soil.

An effective method for growing additional roots. To do this, you need to dig up part of a healthy stem. When a new root system is formed in this place, the old one can be removed along with part of the soil and the hole can be treated with a solution of potassium permanganate. Another way is to bury the cucumber stem deeper with soil, where the roots will begin to grow. But with this method, the diseased part with spores remains and there is a risk of developing root rot, or relapse after successful treatment.

Each gardener chooses for himself how to treat root rot of cucumbers: chemical, biological or folk remedies.

Chemicals

Chemicals most quickly affect the mycelium of the fungus, reduce its growth, and destroy spores. But, at the same time, they destroy microorganisms beneficial to cucumbers.

Previkur Energy is an effective chemical fungicide against rot and fungi on cucumbers. The German drug contains only two components: propamocarb - inhibits the growth of fungus; fosetyl - destroys spores, restores the plant’s defense mechanism and stimulates root growth. The concentrate is diluted in water according to the recommendations on the packaging. During the season it is allowed to process the beds up to 5 times (2 liters of ready-made solution per 1 sq. m of bed). The fungicide does not get into cucumber fruits, so it can be used on already fruit-bearing plants.

Previkur is also used to prevent diseases and strengthen the immunity of cucumbers. To do this, the beds are processed immediately after planting the seeds or seedlings. Then the area is re-watered with the solution every 2 weeks under the root of the bush. The procedure is performed in the evening or in cloudy weather so that the leaves and young shoots are not damaged.

Previkur cannot be used together with fertilizers on the same day. Their components react and can harm plants. It is better to add fertilizer 1-2 days after treatment with chemicals.

Fundazol is a very strong drug that should be used only in extreme cases. It is completely safe for plants, but too toxic for humans. The drug contains the potent poison benomyl. When working with it, precautions must be taken. The fungicide has the ability to accumulate in fruits, so the dosage should not be violated.

The biggest advantage of foundationazole is that it begins to act instantly. Plants absorb the drug very well through leaves and roots. It can be used at any time of the year, as it is effective over a wide range of temperatures.

Thiram (TMTD) is a pesticide intended for treating seeds before planting. Destroys spores and fungal infections on crop seed. The drug is used for complex prevention against various diseases, not only against root rot. The chemical is a contact type and acts on pathogens located on the surface. The active substance (thiram) contained in the composition suppresses active fungi within 2 days. TMTD prevents the development of root rot at the stage of seed germination, when the plant cannot be treated and cannot be saved.

Copper sulfate is copper sulfate salt. It is used in gardening as a disinfectant, antiseptic, fertilizer and fungicide. In order to disinfect the soil, the solution is used to treat the land a week before planting young seedlings. To prepare an antiseptic, you need to dilute 30 g of a 3% solution of copper sulfate in 10 liters of water.

To resuscitate already sick cucumbers, a combined solution is used: 1 tsp. copper sulfate and zinc sulfate, 1 tbsp. l. superphosphate per 10 l. water. Pour the resulting liquid over the cucumber roots. Use at the rate of 5 liters per 1 sq. m. The advantage of copper sulfate is that vegetables can be consumed 2 weeks after the last treatment, since the sulfate is not absorbed by the plant and does not accumulate in the fruits. The chemical settles only on the surface and the vegetables just need to be washed with running water.

Biological products

Biological preparations contain bacteria beneficial to the soil, which inhibit the development of root rot and other bacteriological and fungal diseases. They do not accumulate in vegetables and are completely harmless to both humans and plants. They are not inferior in effectiveness to chemical fungicides and provide benefits.

Biological preparations are based on live cultures of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms. They are not compatible with chemical fungicides and other antibacterial substances. It is forbidden to dilute drugs in hot water, especially those containing chlorine.

Biological products not only get rid of pathogens and protect plants, but also help increase productivity. They strengthen plant immunity, strengthen the root system and activate growth.

Pseudobacterin-2 is available in liquid form and is used for soaking seeds before planting. The drug destroys all fungal pathogens and accelerates germination.

Baktofit is a contact fungicide based on Bacillus subtilis bacteria. The used strain of bacteria of the type IPM 215 produces an antibiotic that suppresses the development and reproduction of fungal infections. The working solution is prepared by diluting 2 g of powder or 2 ml of concentrate in 1 liter of water.

The drug is used in several ways:

• Soaking seeds. Leave the cucumber seeds in the diluted bactofite for 24 hours.
• Treatment of seedling roots. During transplantation, moisten the roots in the solution and leave for 2–5 minutes.
• Spraying leaves and watering. The working solution is further diluted in a proportion of 30 ml per 10 liters of water.

The use of bactofit in combination with herbicides reduces the percentage of pathological fungal infections in the soil. Sick plants need to be treated no more than 3 times in a row every 7 days. Manufacturers recommend up to 8 treatments and claim that it is not addictive. If after three uses there are no signs that root rot is treatable, it is necessary to replace the drug. Baktofit shows itself better as a preventive measure than as a treatment for an advanced disease.

Trichodermin is a biological fungicide and at the same time an organic fertilizer. Designed to combat bacterial and fungal diseases. 1 g or 1 ml contains more than 9 billion beneficial live spores of the fungus Trichodermalignorum. During its life, the fungus reduces the nitrogen content in the soil and increases the amount of calcium and phosphorus.

Trichodermin has good compatibility with herbicides, chemical insecticides and other biological products. Mutually beneficial cooperation is observed with microorganisms in the preparations “Gaubsin” and “Fitodoctor”.

The operating principle is based on the parasitic properties of the fungus (it settles on the surface of pathogenic fungi). In the process of competition for habitat, it releases biologically active substances, antibiotics and enzymes that eliminate the opponent. Trichoderma destroys root rot pathogens without having a detrimental effect on the plant itself.

The drug is used to treat the soil before planting, seeds and for preventive purposes. To treat root rot, a solution is prepared in the proportions of 50 g of powder (or 50 ml of concentrate) per 10 liters of water. Irrigation of the site is best done in the evening, at night or in cloudy weather. The prepared solution must be used within 3 hours after preparation. Over time, beneficial microorganisms begin to die and their concentration decreases.

Fitolavin is a biological antibiotic. The active substance, phytobacteriomycin, is absorbed by the plant and circulates along with the juice. An antibiotic disrupts protein synthesis in pathogenic microorganisms, destroying it from the inside. Thanks to this drug, the plant is able to resist new diseases.

Fitosporin is one of the most popular and effective biological agents in the prevention and control of fungal diseases. The Bacillus subtilis in the composition has shown good results in suppressing bacterial and fungal infections. The stick spreads through the vessels of the plant with the help of juice and affects from the inside. It is used as a regular watering and begins to act immediately.

It often happens that microorganisms develop resistance to the active substances. In this case, the gardener has to look for analogues or other drugs with similar effects. The following have proven themselves to be quite good: gliocadin, trichocin, gamair, bactofit, integral and others.

Folk remedies

If root rot begins to destroy cucumbers, and there is no fungicide at hand, traditional methods come in very handy. Some available remedies, which can be found in every home, cope quite effectively at the initial stage of the disease.

It is better to put traditional methods aside and use stronger remedies when root rot was noticed late and has spread greatly. Severely diseased and weakened bushes are best destroyed altogether.

Baking soda. Make a solution of 2 tbsp. l of soda per 10 l of water. First, water the bed with warm water for better absorption, and then with soda solution. Make sure that the liquid does not get on the leaves and young shoots.

Zelenka (diamond green) . It has good antiseptic properties thanks to the copper in its composition. For prevention, use a solution of 1 drop of brilliant green in 10 liters of water. For treatment, dilute 10 drops of brilliant green in 10 liters of water. Before treatment, it is recommended to loosen the soil.

Whey + iodine. Root rot does not like an acidic environment, in which it inhibits its development. The serum is completely harmless to plants and completely biodegradable, unlike other products. For the working solution, use 1 liter of serum, 9 liters of water and 40 drops of medical iodine. The product should be sprayed well on all leaves, shoots and watered at the roots of the cucumbers.

Ash, lime or coal. Place crushed dry agent (optional) under the base of the stem of the affected bush and coat the stem. You can also water it with a weak solution. These remedies can slightly slow down the development of root rot, but not cure it completely.

Chalk + copper sulfate. Dilute 6 tbsp in 1 liter of water. l crushed chalk and 2 tbsp. l copper sulfate. The resulting liquid is wiped over the root zone of the cucumbers.

Tea infusion. Watering cucumbers with regular tea leaves will not have any effect. The infusion is quite difficult to prepare. For this, take an already used tea leaves containing a hay stick. The bacteria are propagated using an aquarium compressor. Within 24 hours, the tea infusion is enriched with oxygen, after which it can be used to water the garden bed. But without experience, it is difficult to multiply the required amount of sticks, and the infusion may not be effective.

Timing and technology of plant processing

The treatment solution is made in advance. Before processing, remove the soil from the stem to the very root. The product is applied to the plant using a small brush. The approximate height of the stem of an adult crop for treatment is 12 cm. Ash or chalk is applied to the place of rot.

Biological products are diluted in water according to the instructions. The resulting solution is poured over the cucumbers at the root. This method allows the active substances of the product to penetrate deep into the soil, affecting the vegetable in the most inaccessible places.

The diseased plant is watered strictly at the root, avoiding splashing of liquid. The optimal temperature of the solution is 23-26 degrees. Dead bushes are removed, and copper sulfate is added to the place where they grew.

In order for the treatment to give positive results, the affected cucumbers must be treated 2 times. The break between use of the products is a week. If everything is done correctly, then after 14 days the signs of the disease will disappear.

Preventive treatment of cucumbers

For preventive purposes, it is customary to use the following for spraying leaves of cucumber plants:

1. Milk mixture with the addition of 30 drops of iodine and three tablespoons of grated laundry soap. It is recommended to use this solution once every ten days throughout the entire period of fetal ripening. This is an effective, universal mixture with which experienced gardeners treat beneficial plants, in particular cucumbers.
2. To treat and protect cucumbers from fungal diseases, an ash solution is used, which also serves as foliar feeding for the plant. To make an ash solution, you need to pour two liters of boiling water over sifted wood ash and add a little grated laundry soap. For preventive purposes, the mixture is used once a week, and when the first signs of fungal diseases appear, plants should be sprayed 2-3 times a week.
3. Another excellent remedy for preventing cucumbers from fungal diseases is a solution based on rye bread, 30 milliliters of iodine and water. The solution should be cooled before use.

If preventive measures do not help and mold, fungus, holes or spots appear on the cucumber leaves, then you should proceed to treating the cucumbers with folk remedies or chemicals. An effective remedy is the biological product “Fitosporin”.

Recommendations from experienced gardeners for growing cucumbers:

1. If cucumbers at the flowering stage are dominated by small flowers, a light shade of the fruit and thin vines, then the cucumbers do not have enough nitrogen. To prevent this, you should regularly feed the plant with a mullein mixture. To prepare the mixture you will need: 8 liters of water and one liter of mullein.
2. If the shape of the cucumbers is more rounded, and the body narrows near the stalk, then the fruits do not have enough potassium. Potassium deficiency can be compensated for by daily use of wood ash diluted in water (one liter of solution per cucumber bush).
3. After all the cucumbers have been collected, it is necessary to clear the beds of weeds and roots (disinfect the beds using a solution of copper sulfate). Such prevention will protect your crop from fungal and other diseases for several years to come.

The article was compiled using the following materials:

Akhatov A.K., Hannibal F.B., Meshkov Yu.I. and others. Diseases and pests of vegetable crops and potatoes, M.: Partnership of Scientific Publications KMK, 2013. – 463 p.

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State catalog of pesticides and agrochemicals approved for use on the territory of the Russian Federation, 2022. Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation (Ministry of Agriculture of Russia) Download >>>

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Dorofeeva L. L., Shkalikov V. A. “Diseases of grain crops”, Moscow, LLC NPF “SCARABEY”, 2007 – 22

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Images (reworked): 16.

Pythium root rot of cucumber, by Yuan-Min Shen, Taichung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station, Bugwood.org, licensed under CC BY-NC

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Pathogens of root rot

Root rot on cucumbers is caused by a fungus from the genus Fusarium. A fungal infection can affect plants of any age. The disease is most often focal in nature, spread with soil and seeds. In some cases, the nature of the infection is not fungal, but bacterial.

Weak plants are susceptible to infection. Excessive humidity in the air and soil provokes fungal disease. Summer residents of any climate zone may encounter this disease. If the vascular system of a plant is affected by a fungus, the plant develops Fusarium wilt. The entry of infection into the tissues of the root system causes rotting of the root part of the plant located in the soil.

A fungal infection can persist for a long time in the soil. By leaving uncollected plant residues in greenhouses, summer residents contribute to the occurrence of root rot of cucumbers in subsequent seasons and the gradual accumulation of fungal spores and other infections in the soil.

Reasons for appearance

There are several main reasons that lead to the appearance of root rot in cucumbers in a greenhouse. These include:

• sharp fluctuations in daily temperatures;
• prolonged decrease or increase in temperature;
• improper crop rotation;
• sowing already infected seeds;
• excessive watering of seedlings with cold water;
• high air humidity in the greenhouse;
• dense, dry soil;
• insufficient lighting;
• improper (excessive) hilling;
• an excess of certain fertilizers in the soil.

In addition, the introduction of low-quality compost can provoke the appearance of the disease. It often contains affected plants. After all, microorganisms survive on them in the winter, and in the spring they begin to actively multiply.

Causes

Fungal spores that cause root rot are often present in garden or greenhouse soil. But for active development they need favorable conditions. Typically, root rot appears for the following reasons:

• sudden changes in day and night temperatures;
• abundant watering;
• low average daily air temperature;
• insufficient ventilation;
• violation of crop rotation rules, for example, planting cucumbers in one place for several years;
• soil acidification;
• lack of sunlight;
• too scanty or excessive feeding.

Root rot most often affects cucumbers whose seeds were not disinfected before planting. The likelihood of developing the disease increases when air humidity is more than 95%.

Powdery mildew on cucumbers

Powdery mildew is the result of a rainy and cool summer. Sometimes its cause is mistakenly considered to be acid rain or chemicals getting on the leaves. But then it is not clear how cucumbers in the greenhouse and under shelters become affected. In fact, the culprit behind the appearance of powdery mildew is a fungus that over time affects the flowers, stems and leaves of plantings. If pumpkins, zucchini, radishes, squash and turnips grow next to cucumbers, then most likely they will also be in the “affected zone”.

Cucumber varieties resistant to powdery mildew: Adam F1, Amur 1801 F1, Anyuta F1, Atlet F1, Cornflower F1, Vicenta F1, Voyage F1, Vyaznikovsky 37, Hector F1, Danila F1, Delpina F1, Lastochka F1, Navruz F1, Romance F1, Svyatoslav F1, Julian F1.

Signs of the disease

The first sign of fungal infection is browning of the root collar of the plant. At this time, the leaves and stems are still green and fresh, but the roots have already begun to die.

Additional symptoms of the disease gradually appear:

• Wilting of the lower and then remaining leaves.
• Drying of flowers and ovaries.

• Freezing in the development of already set fruits.
• Loosening the stems.

If you dig up a bush with similar signs, you will see that the roots have acquired a brown or reddish-brown tint and have lost flexibility. They are no longer able to absorb moisture and nutrients, so the above-ground part of the cucumber began to die.

When infection occurs at the initial stage of plant development, a lack of harvest is guaranteed. A bush deprived of nutrition is not able to continue growing and begin to form flowers; it will gradually die.

The owner of the plot should sound the alarm if the cucumber leaves look lethargic during the daytime, and after evening watering they come to life in the morning. This means that the roots have already begun to rot and cannot provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. The situation repeats itself every day. Until microorganisms completely destroy the root system. Then the above-ground part will gradually begin to die off and soon dry out completely.

Expert opinion

Chernyaeva Tatyana Dmitrievna

Absolutely loves gardening and grows only organic vegetables

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Root rot is similar in its main features to another fungal disease - fusarium. However, with this disease, the vascular system of the plant is affected, but the roots are not affected. A characteristic sign of fusarium is a withered area on the stem next to the root collar.

Folk remedies for cucumber diseases

Along with agrotechnical techniques, biotechnical means and real “chemistry”, there are also folk methods for the prevention and treatment of cucumber diseases.

Folk remedies serve more for the prevention of cucumber diseases

1. For 1 liter of milk, take 30 drops of iodine and add 20 g of grated laundry soap. The solution is thoroughly mixed and the plants are sprayed every 10 days throughout their growth - this will relieve them of most diseases.
2. 50 g of garlic are crushed and the resulting pulp is diluted in 1 liter of water. The composition should infuse for 24 hours. The resulting mixture is filtered and diluted with 9 liters of water. Garlic solution prevents downy mildew.
3. 1 glass of wood ash is poured into 2 liters of boiling water and left for 2 days. Also, 10 g of laundry soap is diluted in water and added to the resulting composition. Cucumbers are sprayed at least 2 times with an interval of 7 days.
4. The whey is heated to a temperature of 25°C and diluted in a bucket of water in a ratio of 1:7, and then all plantings are sprayed.
5. Place two handfuls of onion peels in a bucket of water, boil it for 30 minutes and leave to cool. Then the broth is filtered and diluted with water 2:1. And then water the cucumbers from a watering can.

The fight against diseases of cucumbers, especially in the final stages, is a complex process that does not always end in victory for the vegetable grower. The main measures to preserve and increase the harvest are compliance with agricultural technology and timely prevention of diseases.

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Treatment options

The first question that arises as soon as root rot appears in cucumbers is: how to treat it? As with other diseases, the problem can be dealt with by three methods: chemicals, biological products and folk remedies. Chemicals can be used only in the first stages, before flowering. When the fruits begin to form, it’s time to switch to safer preparations to avoid the accumulation of harmful substances in cucumbers. Of course, the drugs are more effective: they are concentrated and have a targeted effect on the problem. But with the help of folk remedies you can achieve good results.

Important!

Mature plants become infected with the disease with a 50% chance. This leads to a reduction in yield indicators by almost half. Inspect the bushes regularly to take action and avoid losses.

The rotting process proceeds quite quickly; at some stages it is too late to treat root rot. But at the first stage, when wilting has just begun, it is possible to stop the disease and save the harvest. In the lower part of the plant, if you look closely, you can see the beginnings of roots. You need to sprinkle fresh soil on them so that they can develop.

Before this, the stem is cleared of the lower leaves, slightly tilted, and laid on the soil. After two weeks, new roots will begin to draw nutrients from the soil, taking on all the work of providing the plant with nutrients. The old part of the root will not interfere if it is treated with drugs that prevent the spread of the disease.

Chemistry

If the signs are clearly noticeable, then simple methods cannot get rid of root rot; you need to use active drugs. For example, Previkur Energy is a fungal control agent consisting of two components. It affects the mycelium and blocks the proliferation of fungal spores. The drug can restore the plant’s immunity to a healthy state so that it can fight pests naturally. After application, root development improves and the resistance of cucumbers to diseases increases. Use it in solution:

• 30 ml of the drug;
• 20 liters of clean water.

Each square will require two liters of liquid. The effective effect increases if you combine the drug with contact fungicides. For prevention, plants should be treated immediately after the seeds are planted in the ground, and then every two weeks. Method of application: root watering.

Important!

Previkur is not compatible with fertilizers, so do not apply them together on the same day, this may harm the plants.

Another effective drug: Fundazol. It is quite toxic to humans: this is why it is important to follow the recommended doses. The fungicide is safe for plants, but accumulation in fruits harms people. The main advantage: the wide temperature range at which the substance acts. It can be used almost any time. The absorption of the drug by plants is high; with normal watering, the substance begins to act almost immediately.

Biological products

Substances from this group are safer for humans, act more gently, but are comparable in effectiveness to chemical fungicides. Biofungicides can be used at any stage of growth, even when the fruits are already formed. Harmful substances do not accumulate; ripe cucumbers can be eaten immediately after processing. Such drugs usually last from 3 to 7 days; they cannot be combined with each other or other fungicides, otherwise they will not help.

Trichocin, named after the main substance in its composition. Suitable for treatment during the growth period, it acts with a slight delay: 3 to 5 days after application. Sold in small bags that need to be diluted in a bucket of water. Water the cucumbers with the resulting solution, about 100 ml is used for each bush. Cannot be used with other drugs.

The drug Glyokladin is suitable for treatment and prevention. Valid for a week after application. It must be used separately from other substances, otherwise the beneficial effect will be neutralized. This biofungicide improves the condition of the soil, fights pathogens, and is safe for plants and people. It can be used even at later stages, there will be no harm to the fruits. The acidity of the soil should not exceed 7 points, otherwise the beneficial fungus will not act. The drug is placed under the root or the plants are watered with a solution.

Biofungicide Gamair is useful against most fungi. It is used to disinfect soil in a greenhouse, treat root rot and other diseases. Sold in tablets that need to be diluted in water: 2 pieces per bucket. The solution is used to treat the affected areas of the plants by watering the soil at the roots.

Traditional methods

If it is too late to use drugs or root rot has just begun to spread, you can use traditional methods. To combat the problem, make a solution with the addition of improvised means. They are quite effective, and the ingredients for the solutions can be found at home. Here are a few recipes to help cope with the disease:

1. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of baking soda in a bucket of water at room temperature. Water the beds first with warm water to moisten the soil, and then with the resulting solution under the roots.
2. Zelenka is effective against rot due to the copper in its composition: it prevents the development of fungal infections. Mix the substance with water drop by drop. For prevention, add 1 drop to a bucket, for treatment - 10. Loosen the soil in the garden, pour the solution at the roots of the cucumbers.
3. The whey prevents the development of the disease due to its acidic composition. It is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:9 and 40 drops of iodine are added. Water the roots with the solution and spray the green part of the plant.

You can slow down the development of the disease by sprinkling the lower part of the plant with wood ash, coal or crushed lime: this will slow down the development of the disease. An alternative is a mash of 6 tablespoons of chalk, teaspoons of copper sulfate, dissolved in a liter of water. Use the mixture to wipe the lower part of the plant and, if possible, part of the root.

Important!

In the later stages, when the leaves begin to die, it is useless to fight the fungus by any means. It is better to remove the affected bush to protect the remaining crops.

Prevention

Preventive measures will help reduce the risk of disease. You need to start fighting root rot in early spring. Seeds prepared for planting are subject to processing. To do this, use potassium permanganate or the drug Fitosporin. They can also treat planting soil.

Greenhouse care

Prevention begins in the fall, when the greenhouse is removed. Wooden structural elements are treated with a solution of copper sulfate, metal and galvanized ones - with a solution of laundry soap. The glass is washed with soap and then rinsed under running water.

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In the area where the greenhouse stood, the remaining weeds and other debris are carefully removed. In the fall, the soil is disinfected if root rot was detected in the vegetable crop in the summer. In early spring, to restore the normal level of microflora, any biological products are added to the soil.

Compliance with the cucumber planting scheme

Proper crop rotation is the key to plant health. You cannot plant cucumber seedlings in the same place every year. Pathogenic microorganisms accumulate in the soil over time, which will inevitably lead to an outbreak of the disease. It is recommended to reuse the area for cucumbers after 3 years.

Seedlings should not be planted densely in open ground. Closely located bushes provoke the appearance of many diseases and insect pests. It will be very difficult to process such plantings. In addition, early diagnosis of root rot will be difficult.

Attention! Breeders have developed varieties of cucumbers that are resistant to root rot.

You can notice signs of root rot only with regular and thorough inspection of the crop being grown. The chances of curing plantings and saving the future harvest increase with timely treatment of plants with chemical and biological preparations.

How does root rot develop on cucumbers?

Root rot is quite common when growing cucumbers. The main feature of the disease is its close resemblance in external manifestations to cucumber vines that were forgotten to water on time. This manifests itself in the withering of ground green mass. Leaves and vines lose turgor, become saggy and lifeless.

Seeing such a mess, what is the first thing a gardener does? Right! Watering too much does the plants a disservice. Your charges, if they don’t die, will feel even worse. And the reason is a fungal infection that has settled on the bushes.

The disease develops mainly in protected soil: greenhouses and greenhouses. Although it is also found in open ground, more often in cold, rainy summers. Plant infection can occur throughout the growing season.

Infection occurs in two ways:

1. accumulates in the soil during long-term continuous cultivation of cucumbers or other pumpkins in one place;
2. is transferred with the shoes of the owners from the contaminated area.

Fighting a fungal infection is difficult and time consuming. It is much easier to do everything necessary to prevent and prevent infection in your cucumber plot.

Photo by ru.depositphotos: Due to the disease, the leaves begin to wither from the lower tier.

Causes of the disease

The main reasons for the development of root rot of cucumbers are unfavorable conditions of growth and development. The presence of infection aggravates the condition of the culture.

The acidity of the soil also influences the occurrence of the disease. The optimal acidity for the spread of infection is Ph, which is 5-6.

High humidity in a greenhouse also adversely affects plant growth. The roots suffer from lack of air and are affected by phytopathogens. Watering crops with cold water is also unacceptable; they stop their growth, and sometimes the roots simply die. The affected root system opens the gates for infection, which quickly spreads throughout all organs and healthy tissues.

With insufficient watering, the root system dries out and is affected by pathogenic microbes. The situation is aggravated by the increased concentration of salts in the soil.

Conclusions and recommendations

Thus, timely detection of damage to cucumber crops by a fungus - PEST and the use of simple agrotechnical techniques (cleaning and destruction of plant residues, compliance with crop rotation and regime, introduction of resistant varieties) together with the use of biological products (seed dressing, soil disinfection) will help you easily overcome this " disease" and save the plants. And by preserving the plantings, you will not be left without a good harvest.

*Changes and additions were made on July 11, 2019.

Pathogens

The causative agents of the disease are various microorganisms. The most dangerous are:

1. Pythium debaryanum - these pathogens in most cases infect the root system during the germination period, it darkens and begins to rot. The cotyledons and emerging leaves turn yellow. The pathogen affects not only cucumbers, but also many other crops.
2. P. ultimum is a fungal pathogen that, in addition to cucumbers, parasitizes more than 140 types of crops. Its spores are spread by nematodes.
3. aphanidermatum is dangerous for more than 85 types of crops, but primarily affects cucumbers, tomatoes and legumes. The fungus multiplies during the period of bark molting in the affected tissues. The secondary bark protects the seedlings from infection, and they become resistant to the pathogen.

High humidity is dangerous

Pathogens of infectious diseases infect crops under favorable conditions. Gardeners should not allow these combinations that are dangerous for the crop: high humidity in the greenhouse, dry roots, high acidity, too low and high temperatures.

Protection measures

1. In open ground, it is necessary to observe crop rotation, and in protected ground, replace the soil periodically at intervals of 3-4 years.

2. During the growing season, it is necessary to maintain optimal conditions in the area of ​​the cucumber root system:

• soil temperature should be between 20-26 C;
• humidity not higher than 85%, optimally 76-78%.

3. To enrich the soil with “beneficial bacteria” that inhibit the development of rot pathogens, it is recommended to introduce biological products. Today, such drugs as “Pseudobacterin-2”, “Baktofit” , “Trichodermin” , “Fitolavin” .

3.1. “Pseudobacterin-2” is a biological fungicide for the fight against pathogens of fungal and bacterial diseases with a clear growth-stimulating effect. Available in the form of a liquid concentrate, it is usually applied to the surface of the seeds before sowing, by pre-soaking.

3.2. “Baktofit” is a bacterial fungicide with a contact mechanism of action; the bacteria Bacillus subtilis of this strain IPM 215 synthesize an antibiotic that suppresses the activity of pathogenic fungi. Available in the form of powder or suspension concentrate.

Methods of using "Baktofit":

• Soaking cucumber seeds before planting for a day (1 ml of suspension or 1 g of powder or 500 ml of water);
• Soaking the root system when replanting plants (dip, soak in solution for 2-5 minutes);
• Spraying plants on the leaves and watering the soil at the roots during the growing season (dilute the working solution 3 ml per 1 liter of water);
• Combined use with herbicides (reduces the content of toxicogenic soil fungi).

Repeated applications are required every 7 days, three times in total, then the drug must be changed if the disease is not cured or further prophylaxis is required, although manufacturers recommend up to 7-8 applications, since the drug does not cause resistance.

3.3. Trichodermin is produced in the form of an aqueous suspension or dry powder. In any form, the product contains more than 9 billion live mushroom spores (in 1 gram or 1 milliliter).

Methods of using Trichodermin:

• Application into planting holes. To do this, 4 grams of Trichodermin powder are diluted in 4 liters of water and poured onto the soil of the planting hole. It is possible to treat open ground with a 2% solution of the drug;
• Soaking seeds. Carry out during the day in a solution of the drug (1 ml of suspension or 1 g of powder or 500 ml of water);
• For root rot of adult cucumber plants, a solution is prepared based on the following proportions: per 1 liter. water (without chlorine) you need 5 grams of powder. Processing is carried out by irrigation;
• Preventive treatments are carried out only after the appearance of 2 leaves on the plant. Treatment is carried out no more than once a month.

3.4. "Fitolavin" is a bioantibiotic. The work of this fungicide is based on the fact that the active substance - phytobacteriomycin , penetrating inside the plant and circulating with sap flow through the tissues, has a detrimental effect on pathogens. The active substance interacts with the ribosomes of bacteria, disrupting the synthesis of their protein, which leads to a change in the genetic code of the causative agents of bacteriosis. All this ultimately helps the plant to protect itself not only from the introduction of pathogens, but also to resist their development for a long time.

Examples of the drug "Fitolavin" produced by various manufacturers

Available in the form of a water-soluble concentrate. Regulations for the use of “Fitolavin” for treating cucumbers against root rot can be found in a separate material.

4. If cucumber seedlings are not treated with biological preparations, then it is advisable to treat them with TMTD or Previkur Energy .

4.1. “TMTD” is a contact fungicidal seed protectant for many agricultural crops against a complex of diseases transmitted through seeds and soil. Available in the form of a water-suspension concentrate. Active ingredient: thiram, 400 g/l. This drug has a contact effect, disrupts the development of the vegetative and generative organs of fungi - pathogens found on the surface of seeds and in the soil. Suppresses external and soil infections within just 2 days. The drug shows high effectiveness against external seed infections, as well as root and basal rots that develop in the initial phases of plant development.

4.2. "Previkur Energy" is a drug that successfully combines the actions of a protective pesticide and an immunizing fungicide.

Examples of Previkur Energy drugs

It is used to protect cucumbers from root and basal rot at the stage of preparing seeds, growing seedlings and adult plants. 2-component fungicide (Propamocarb, 53% + Fosethyl aluminum, 31%). Watering of seedlings is carried out at the root 14 days after sowing the seeds. The first watering is 4-7 days after planting the seedlings in a permanent place, subsequent waterings (up to 4 times) - with an interval of 2 weeks.

How to treat bushes in a greenhouse

Greenhouse cucumbers are especially susceptible to root rot. Rot manifests itself especially strongly on cucumbers planted in soil where cucumbers had previously grown.

To prevent the occurrence and spread of fungi in the soil, it is necessary to properly care for the greenhouse. Cleaning should be done every year in the fall. It is necessary to treat the wooden elements of the greenhouse with copper sulfate and wash the metal parts with laundry soap. Glass in the greenhouse should also be washed with soapy water. Get rid of plant debris accumulated over the past season.

See also

The use of onion peels for feeding cucumbers and watering rules

Read

If during the summer there were bushes infected with rot inside the greenhouse, disinfect the room using a sulfur bomb. But do not forget to treat the greenhouse with biological preparations in the spring to restore beneficial microflora, since the sulfur bomb kills not only harmful, but also beneficial microorganisms.

When root rot occurs in greenhouse cucumbers, it is recommended to treat them with a solution of copper sulfate in a proportion of 1 teaspoon per 0.5 liters of water. Copper oxychloride and wood ash also help well.

How to prevent root rot in cucumbers: 5 tips

Prevention is very important in the fight against root rot. Due to difficulties with diagnosis, the disease is usually noticed when the plant is almost impossible to cure. Therefore, it is so important to take all necessary measures to prevent the formation of favorable conditions for the development of fungus.

Seed treatment

Prevention of root rot begins already at the seed preparation stage. Not all of them can be properly disinfected. And if there is a fungus in them, then it will definitely manifest itself at the first opportunity. This will be disastrous for young plantings.

Therefore, it is very important to soak the seeds before planting, for example, in a solution of biological products (Fitosporin, Pseudobacterin-2, Baktofit, Trichodermin, etc.), or in a weak solution of potassium permanganate or copper sulfate.

Soil treatment

Very often, fungal spores and other pathogenic microorganisms can be found in the soil. Many of them are able to calmly tolerate even extremely low temperatures. Therefore, it is so important to properly disinfect the soil before planting young plants or seeds in it. The treatment can be carried out with a solution of copper sulfate (30 g) and water (10 l). This is done a week before you plan to plant the cucumbers in the garden.

If the plantings lack minerals, it is necessary to fertilize them.

Important! Regular loosening of the soil helps increase aeration and reduce the likelihood of fungus. In dense soil, the conditions for the development of the fungus are most favorable; its spores multiply faster.

Plant treatment

It is extremely difficult to combat root rot, which is why preventive measures are so important. Take care to protect your cucumbers in advance and treat your plantings regularly to reduce the risk of infection.

We offer several options for biological products that you can prepare yourself at no extra cost:

The above amount is dissolved in 10 liters of warm water, which are used for root feeding of plants (three options). This amount is enough to process 2 sq.m. landing Watering is carried out once every 14 days. An important condition is not to combine treatment with the application of other fertilizers.

Preparing the greenhouse before planting

When using a greenhouse or greenhouse for growing garden crops, it is important to keep it clean and regularly treat surfaces. They may contain bacteria and fungi, which, upon contact with the plants, will move to the leaves and stems and begin to parasitize inside the cucumbers.

In addition, the space inside the greenhouse has a specific microclimate, where, with poor ventilation, pathogenic organisms multiply very quickly. It is very important to prepare the soil not only before planting, but also after completing gardening work. All plant remains must be carefully selected from the garden bed, especially if they showed signs of disease.

All tools used for work in the greenhouse must also be processed. For these purposes, you can use a solution of copper sulfate.

If the plants in the greenhouse have been sick all season, then classical treatment will not be enough; a more effective remedy will be required, for example, a sulfur bomb. True, it will destroy not only pests, but also beneficial microorganisms. Therefore, before the start of the season, the soil will need to be fertilized.

Experienced gardeners do not recommend using humus to fertilize beds in a greenhouse. Rot spores from rotted, contaminated organic matter may remain in it.

To prevent the proliferation of harmful microorganisms, regularly ventilate the greenhouse so that there is no stagnation there.

Proper planting and care

In any gardening work, it is necessary to take into account the rules of crop rotation. You should not expect a good harvest from plants if the soil under them has not been renewed for several seasons. In addition, cucumbers will grow poorly and often get sick if they are planted in a bed where tomatoes, zucchini or pumpkins previously grew.

When planting seedlings, it is important to maintain distance. The interval between bushes should be at least 40 cm. If the bushes are too close, the disease quickly spreads from one plant to another.

The distance between the beds should be approximately 90 cm. This will make it more convenient to harvest the crops and inspect the plantings for infestations. Cucumbers should be kept 25 cm away from the walls to ensure better air circulation.

When growing cucumbers in a greenhouse, it is important to follow a number of rules to avoid infection with root rot:

The problem of the appearance and spread of root rot is still being studied. Recent studies have revealed another effective remedy - 25 grams of manganese sulfate is diluted in 10 liters of water, and the product is used for watering plantings. Re-treatment is carried out by replacing manganese sulfate with zinc sulfate. During the season, a couple of such feedings will be enough.

Description of pathogens

Fungal infection enters the area in different ways. It can be brought in by a person on shoes or along with the soil, renewing its top layer. In the ground, the infection accumulates for years, then affects a weak plant that is injured during care or replanting. The most dangerous microorganisms are considered:

• Pythium debaryanum is a microbe that attacks roots. Because of this, the shoots near them rot, and the cotyledons and leaves turn yellow.
• P. ultimum is a pathogen that affects many other plants in addition to cucumbers. It is spread by nematodes - roundworms.
• P. aphanidermatum is the microorganism that most harms cucumbers. It multiplies during root molting in diseased tissues.

Symptoms of cucumber infection

The first symptoms that your cucumbers are starting to rot appear after transplanting the crop into the ground or greenhouse.

1. The cucumber stem turns brown and begins to rot.
2. The leaves begin to yellow.
3. Cracks form at the bottom of the central shoot.
4. The roots become brown and soft.
5. In the advanced stage of the disease, the ovaries begin to wither.

Rot progresses especially actively at low (below 16 °C) and high (from 27 °C) temperatures. If you find these signs in plants, you must immediately begin treatment, otherwise the cucumbers will die.